Planning our duck pond

[FowlSwimmers]

Hi! We're planning our in-ground duck pond. We live in a mountainous/hilly area. Our flatter ground is in a wide-open field. Our ducks have free-range during the day but typically stay in the tree-covered areas. Likewise, I prefer to have some tree-cover for protection from winged predators for our pond, which means it will be on a slight hill (about 24-36" difference from top of the pond to the bottom).

We have 3 Pekins and are getting 5 more females this week (Rouen, Cayuga, Blue Swedish, Black Swedish, and a Welsh Harlequin).

I'm looking for some advice.

• How much water space is recommended per duck? Is there a rule of thumb? I'd rather go bigger and have too much space.
• How deep should the pond be?
• Best pond entry? We're thinking of a "beach" entry, but want to (try) to keep our Newfoundland out of the pond
• I'm thinking of having about 1/3 of the pond as a shelf, about 8-10" deep, does that make sense?
• Any suggestions for a semi-hillside pond?

Pics show a tentative outline of the general planned pond area, our happy Pekins (John Cena, Beetleguise, Rose) and our temp pond


Thanks in advance!

 

[Sosalty]

Hi! We're planning our in-ground duck pond. We live in a mountainous/hilly area. Our flatter ground is in a wide-open field. Our ducks have free-range during the day but typically stay in the tree-covered areas. Likewise, I prefer to have some tree-cover for protection from winged predators for our pond, which means it will be on a slight hill (about 24-36" difference from top of the pond to the bottom).

We have 3 Pekins and are getting 5 more females this week (Rouen, Cayuga, Blue Swedish, Black Swedish, and a Welsh Harlequin).

I'm looking for some advice.

• How much water space is recommended per duck? Is there a rule of thumb? I'd rather go bigger and have too much space.
• How deep should the pond be?
• Best pond entry? We're thinking of a "beach" entry, but want to (try) to keep our Newfoundland out of the pond
• I'm thinking of having about 1/3 of the pond as a shelf, about 8-10" deep, does that make sense?
• Any suggestions for a semi-hillside pond?

Pics show a tentative outline of the general planned pond area, our happy Pekins (John Cena, Beetleguise, Rose) and our temp pond


Thanks in advance!

Lined or stone/cementous Coy Pond concept is where I think you're planning to go. Making a third 8" shallow is a great idea. 100sq.ft.+ of water surface is large enough, ducks will have a blast, [but you will have mucky water, plan a way to drain and change water often and think sand/gravel/stones/pavement to help with mud and resulting mosquitoes. The phytoplankton in water will grow, actually explode into a deep pea soup bloom when it comes into contact with duck poop, ie; fertilizer! (this you know) It's a type of algae, actually the mark of a healthy fishpond, and isn't harmful until a high concentration triggers bad algae such as blue/bright green algae. There are multiple algaecides, the cheapest effective being a copper sulfate. Used per label instructions they won't hurt your ducks or any fishes. You may want to drain the pea soup and refill clean water regularly to avoid an algaecide. Well water is usually low in phytoplankton, (unless wall & floor isn't cleaned after water change).]

My Muscovy are OK with both a step up and smooth, not slick, ramp-like surfaces in and out of pond. Sand is hard to keep in place if that's what you mean by "beach" small smooth gravel may work on a gentle slope. For Pekin duck to dive, about 20" but a few inches deeper wouldn't hurt. They don't have to swim underwater.

If you keep 'natural' pea green water, by changing small amounts of water, the gambusia mosquito minnow is hardy and helpful. If you keep grass shrimp they'll need rocks or plants to hide and they are temp sensitive.

A slope pond is perfect for an underneath pvc drain. Build your retaining wall for strength if you go 36"+. I don't suggest using clay soil without a liner, as ducks will convert their pond into mud! Leaves dropping into your pond usually become a tannic acid (like old tea) water quality issue. Some like to set aside their topsoil then use their deeper dirt to build the dam. After packing, place the topsoil on top again to jumpstart grass growth. I'm sure I missed some thoughts.

You've some friendly looking Pekins.

 

[FowlSwimmers]

This is great! Thank you for giving me additional considerations. I'll be sure to post pictures of our finished pond.

 

[CoriM]

I know my pekins loved standing on the shelf to preen themselves when in my pond - I have a preformed pond liner. I don't have pekins anymore, and the other breeds I haven't don't use it as often, but the bigger birds seem to like it. I don't think it needs to be super deep - just enough for them to dive under the water a bit. An easy entry and exit is key, especially for pekins. It's so nice you're making a big pond for them!